60 Female House Songs for Cabaret and Musical Singers

May 15
08:51

2024

Jeremy Fisher

Jeremy Fisher

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Looking for the perfect songs to captivate your audience in a cabaret, theater show, or even a karaoke night? This article provides a curated list of 60 songs from musicals that female performers can use to connect directly with their listeners. These "House songs" break the fourth wall, allowing the performer to engage with the audience in a unique and memorable way.

mediaimage

What is a House Song?

A House song is a musical number where the character steps out of the narrative to address the audience directly. This technique bridges the gap between the performer and the viewers,60 Female House Songs for Cabaret and Musical Singers Articles creating a more intimate and engaging experience. While true House songs are rare in musical theater, many songs can be adapted to serve this purpose.

Categories of House Songs

True House Songs

These songs are specifically written for the character to break the fourth wall and speak directly to the audience.

  • "Diva's Lament" from Spamalot
  • "You Can Always Count On Me" from City of Angels
  • "When You're Good To Mama" from Chicago
  • "Big Spender" from Sweet Charity
  • "I'm Still Here" from Follies
  • "Broadway Baby" from Follies
  • "I Just Wanna Dance" from Jerry Springer: The Opera
  • "Johnny One Note" from Babes in Arms
  • "Nobody Does It Like Me" from Seesaw
  • "Miss Byrd" from Closer Than Ever

Audience Numbers

In these songs, the character sings to an audience within the story, making it easier to adapt them into House songs.

  • "Good and Evil" from Jekyll and Hyde
  • "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita
  • "I Speak Six Languages" from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
  • "Beat Out Dat Rhythm" from Carmen Jones
  • "Man Wanted" from Copacabana
  • "Blow Gabriel Blow" from Anything Goes
  • "The Saga of Jenny" from Lady in the Dark
  • "Life of the Party" from The Wild Party

Soliloquies

These songs are introspective and often involve the character asking questions, making them suitable for direct audience engagement.

  • "I Cain't Say No" from Oklahoma!
  • "I'm Shy" from Once Upon a Mattress
  • "Everybody Says Don't" from Anyone Can Whistle
  • "There Won't Be Trumpets" from Anyone Can Whistle
  • "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" from One Touch of Venus
  • "Holding to the Ground" from Falsettos
  • "My Brother Lived in San Francisco" from Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens
  • "I Hate Men" from Kiss Me, Kate
  • "My Strongest Suit" from Aida

Additional Recommendations

Victorian Music Hall Songs

These songs from the Victorian era can also be adapted as House numbers.

  • "Waiting at the Church"
  • "If It Wasn't for the 'Ouses in Between"
  • "The Boy I Love is Up in the Gallery"

Modern Musical Styles

  • "Girl in 14G"
  • "The Alto's Lament"

Revue Musicals

Revue musicals often contain songs that are perfect for direct audience engagement.

  • "Back on Base" from Closer Than Ever
  • "The Bear, The Tiger, The Hamster and The Mole" from Closer Than Ever
  • "I'm Not Afraid of Anything" from Songs for a New World

Pop/Disco/Rock Adaptations

  • "Holding Out for a Hero" (originally by Bonnie Tyler, featured in Footloose and Shrek II)

Slower Songs

While less common, some slower songs can also work as House numbers.

  • "Maybe I Like It This Way" from The Wild Party
  • "That's Him" from One Touch of Venus
  • "Why Him" from Carmelina
  • "Bill" from Show Boat
  • "Funny Girl" from Funny Girl

Tips for Performing House Songs

The key to a successful House song is direct engagement with the audience. Make eye contact and ensure your performance feels personal and intimate.

Conclusion

House songs offer a unique way to connect with your audience, making your performance memorable and engaging. Whether you're performing in a cabaret, theater show, or karaoke night, these 60 songs provide a diverse range of options to suit any style or mood.

For more insights into musical theater, check out Playbill and Broadway World.

Enjoy your performance!